Sigiriya

Administrative Information

• Province: Central Province

• District: Matale District

• Administrative Type: Divisional Secretariat Area / UNESCO World Heritage Site

• UNESCO Inscription: 1982

Geographic Information

• Coordinates: 7.9570° N, 80.7603° E

• Elevation: ~370 meters (1,214 feet) above sea level at the summit; rock rises 200 meters from the surrounding plain.

Main Attractions

• The Lion Paw Entrance: The massive paws carved into the rock face that once formed the base of a colossal brick lion guarding the final staircase to the summit.

• Sigiriya Frescoes: A sheltered rock pocket featuring remarkably preserved, vibrant 5th-century paintings of celestial maidens (Apsaras).

• The Mirror Wall: A highly polished brick wall covered in ancient graffiti and poems left by visitors dating back to the 6th century.

• The Water Gardens: Elaborate symmetrically designed royal gardens at the base featuring working fountains, boulder gardens, and terraced structures.

• Pidurangala Rock: A neighboring peak that offers a moderately challenging climb and the most breathtaking panoramic view of Sigiriya itself.

UNESCO Status

Yes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best Time to Visit

Peak Weather Window: January to April
The Secondary Window: July to September
The Monsoon / Off-Season: October to December